Stuck Fuel Guage

[2twodogs]

My fuel guage shows 3/4 full no matter how much gas is in tank. Can anyone advise me where to start looking for the problem. My boat is a 1988 Princecraft 176 Super Pro.

 

[fhhuber]

Probably a stuck float inside the gas tank.

It may be as simple as pulling the float/sender and cleaning it a bit... it may need a new float/sender unit. If the sender jams internally its over. Time for a new sender (generally bought as a package with the float)
http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Fuel-Tank-Sending-Units/dm/view_id.238171

 

[alldodge]

Agree
Start with doing some checks to verify, with ignition ON
At the tank sender ground the sender terminal, gauge should peg full
Remove the wire from the tank sender terminal, gauge should peg empty

If neither have any effect go to the fuel gauge and check for 12V to the gauge and a good ground.
Then find sender wire and gauge should show full/empty if the sender wire is grounded/open as tank sender

 

[2twodogs]

Thanks for the replies. Will I need to pull the floor out of the boat to get this?

 

[alldodge]

In that case start at the gauge, could be the gauge is bad and not the sender

 

[garbageguy]

Yes, start with the checks described above.

Regarding your next question

Thanks for the replies. Will I need to pull the floor out of the boat to get this?

Sometimes you can get at the sender under the floor through the engine compartment, or possibly a small hatch or deck plate installed to access the sender

 

[2twodogs]

Ok thanks guys. I'll start with the gauge.